Foods that soothe the stomach
Dear Donovan,
Since recently, foods I eat burn my stomach. I weigh 243 pounds and I am 5ft tall. I have tailored my diet to mostly fruits and vegetables and from time to time I’ll eat crackers and maybe two ounces of meat. I don’t drink juice. However, whatever I eat burns my stomach. I have done tests to determine if I have an autoimmune disease or if something is wrong, but the tests came back negative. Is there any advice you could give me regarding foods that soothe the stomach and will aid in my weight loss?
Several conditions can contribute to a burning sensation in the stomach. These include gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd), food allergy problems due to medication/drugs, and even emotional stress. Gastritis is a condition where the irritated or damaged lining of the stomach is exposed to gastric juice which can be very painful. In addition, Gerd happens when the lower oesophageal muscle opens inappropriately or fails to close completely. When reflux occurs the stomach acids rise up into the oesophagus and cause heartburn and stomach burns.
It is a known fact that obesity can also contribute to Gerd. A burning sensation felt in the stomach could be due to food allergies. This usually happens after eating certain types of food. Also, certain medications such as aspirin as well as excess alcohol consumption and even smoking can lead to stomach pain and irritation of the stomach. In addition, many anti-inflammatory drugs can break down the protective lining of the stomach, leading to stomach burns and pains.
It is a known fact that many stomach problems are caused by emotional stress, which is managed poorly. Stress can cause the digestive process to slow down. This causes the digestive acids to stay in the stomach too long and increases the chance that a reflux action may occur.
In your situation, I would suggest that you see a specialist with the view of finding out what is really happening with your stomach and why you feel some discomfort when you eat. However, in the meantime I want you to make some lifestyle changes which will help your weight as well as your stomach. It is very important for you to watch your diet and avoid foods which irritate the stomach. These include spicy foods, citrus, chocolate, coffee and garlic. It is best to have more alkaline types of food rather than acidic. Therefore, I would suggest that you have fruits such as papaya, melon, etc.
Consuming a fair amount of vegetable juices, especially green juice, will definitely help to soothe the stomach. It is also important that you try and eat your meals on time. Having small meals several times per day is better than eating one or two large meals daily. Eating a diet of more fruits, vegetables, vegetable juices, soups and salads might help your condition greatly. In addition, balancing your stress levels might also be very important. In some cases your problem might not only be about what you are eating but what is eating you. Learning to balance stress with techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, prayer and meditation is also necessary. In addition, it has been stated that losing weight can also reduce the burning in the stomach for persons who are overweight. Losing weight reduces the pressure on the oesophageal sphincter muscles.
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to clarkep@ jamaicaobserver.com.
